Book excerpt: Conall II: The Raven’s Flight continues to chronicle the story of Conall and Mórrígan and the epic journey of the warriors from Ériu (Ireland). Conall and his brooding queen, Mórrígan, lead over two thousand warriors with their followers across the narrow sea separating Ériu from Albu. Their quest: the capture of Cassius Fabius Scaeva, the dissolute Roman held responsible for the slaughter of their families. The Ériu encounter human, natural, and supernatural foes and friends. At the mercy of the Aes Sídhe, a race of demi-goddesses who demand that he fulfil his geis, Conall is named the “Hand of the Goddess” and given the instrument that will crush the Na Daoine Tùrsach—a tribe of fanatical, blood-lusting priests. They battle fierce northern tribes: the Forest People's one-eyed king, Drostan Ruadh, opposes their presence, as do the Na Mèadaidh, led by the sly Finnean Mac Sèitheach. Yet, not all are enemies. The Raven People offer their support, although it too comes at a price. Heroes and villains from myth, legend, and history converge in this saga set in the vast ancient forests, frozen bogs, snow-capped mountains, and mysterious lochs of Scotland some four hundred years before the birth of Christ. The Conall Series contains scenes of sex and violence and language appropriate to the period (400 B.C.) it is set in. It is not recommended for those under 14 without parental consent.